Letter Re: Diabetics in Disasters

Jim,
A quick note about regular insulin (either Novolin R or Humulin R):  it is considered a fast acting insulin, which is different from a rapid acting insulin.  From Diabetes.org – The rapid acting insulins, Humalog, Novolog and Apidra, "begin to work about 15 minutes after injection, peak in about 1 hour, and continue to work for 2 to 4 hours.  Regular (or short-acting) insulin usually reaches the bloodstream within 30 minutes after injection, peaks anywhere from 2 to 3 hours after injection, and is effective for approximately 3 to 6 hours."

This may not be a huge difference, but it is important to know that the regular insulin will peak later, and will have a glucose-lowering effect for a longer time than the rapid acting insulins.  This can change the way the insulin is administered.  

I hope this information is helpful for any other people with Type 1 Diabetes out there.  It has given me greater hope in preparing for an uncertain future. – Diabetic Nurse Practitioner